9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Bansko, and Petrich

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary North Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Russian Monument Square. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,544 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing National Palace of Culture. This convention center has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors.

South Park is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 2 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Sofia is the stunning Park "Geo Milev". This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Park "Zaimov" in the city of Sofia. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia is the incredible St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This church and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,964 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Ivan Vazov National Theater. This top-tier point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Sofia you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Sofia has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Taj Mahal Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, The Wrong Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

Day 4 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Stara Zagora. You will stay in Stara Zagora for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing St. Nedelya Church. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Knyazheska Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Eagles' Bridge. This popular stone bridge and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

The spectacular Borisova Gradina Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,212 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Druzhba Park. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,441 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Stara Zagora, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado, one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,263 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Uniqato as one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora. Restaurant Uniqato is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,988 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora is Shtastlivetsa. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,681 customers.

After dinner, visit Pri Kmeta, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Stara Zagora. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Drums. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Alternatively, Brothers' cafe is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Stara Zagora. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 5 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Stara Zagora and the city of Asenovgrad. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Stara Zagora is the amazing Artileriyski Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,569 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Park “Ayazmo“. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,145 visitors.

“Bedechka” Park is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Stara Zagora. This well-known attraction, a spectacular park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 6,174 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Stara Zagora is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Asen's Fortress in the city of Asenovgrad for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a fortress and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,988 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Asenovgrad is the outstanding Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,913 visitors, this place of worship deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Plovdiv.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Pavaj. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

After dinner, visit Torro Grande / Torro Grande, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Alternatively, Club Fargo is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bansko. You’ll stay in Bansko for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Plovdiv’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Plovdiv, start your day with a visit to the amazing Singing Fountains. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,208 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

The lovely Old Town of Plovdiv is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,234 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Youth Hill. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,980 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Plovdiv has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bansko. Bansko offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular "Five M" Restaurant & Good Bar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 657 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant Victoria Bansko is another top restaurant in Bansko we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,271 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bansko, the fantastic Amigo Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,227 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Pirin 75. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 746 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Cafe Eliz. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 663 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Petrich for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Blagoevgrad is the amazing Banderishka meadow. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,781 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park "Razlog". With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,768 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Blagoevgrad is the outstanding Park "Bachinovo". This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,871 visitors.

The spectacular Baba Vanga House Museum in Rupite is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,766 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Petrich, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant "Provence", one of the best restaurants in the city of Petrich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,080 customers.

Locals also recommend Restorant "Mirazh" gr. Petrich as one of the best restaurants in the city of Petrich. Restorant "Mirazh" gr. Petrich is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 197 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Petrich is The Pearl. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 217 customers.

After dinner, visit Kokteyl bar Ray, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Petrich. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 279 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Kyustendil. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Kyustendil’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Kyustendil, start your day with a visit to the amazing Kordopulov House. This much-appreciated building and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,267 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Rozhen Monastery. This monastery and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,322 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Park "St. Vrach" to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Park "St. Vrach" is a park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,589 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Kyustendil has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Mamma Mia Ltd. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,252 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sofia, the fantastic Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful 5 Corners Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Luciano. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Lions' Bridge is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This footbridge and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,233 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!